A BEAUTY spot near Selby has been closed to the public after two dogs died from poisoning.

Hambleton Hough, close to Gateforth, just off the A63, is popular with walkers and birdwatchers, as well as dog walkers, but reports have been received of a number of dogs which have suffered illness and even death after being walked in the area in recent weeks.

On Wednesday, Selby District Council confirmed the authority had been made aware of the incidents, and had taken action to try and prevent further deaths in the immediate future.

In a statement, the council said: "We can confirm that a small number of dogs have been affected. Investigations into the cause are currently ongoing.

"We have been advised that the cause could be fungal, but this is not certain. But as two dogs have sadly died, we are advising all dog walkers to be extra vigilant."

North Yorkshire Police said their local officers had not been made aware of animals being deliberately poisoned, but the dog warden understood a number of dogs had "been poisoned after walking in woods".

They said that "at this time of year, the fungal spores are quite poisonous", but it was also possible some animals had been walked on farmland nearby where crops had been sprayed for blight. A spokeswoman said chemicals used on the crops could be absorbed through the dogs' pads, or ingested if the animals had eaten any greenery.

The council spokeswoman said: "As a precaution, the Wildlife Habitat Protection Trust, who manage the Hough on our behalf, have taken the decision to close the site in the interim and warning notices have been posted in the area.

"If you think that your pet may have been affected, please seek immediate veterinarian attention."